This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
